Forty Over 40 Asks: 8Qs with Fran Hauser

Welcome to the Forty Over 40 blog. Every week we spotlight one of our female disruptors and their thoughts on reinvention, mentorship and momentum…plus a peek into what makes them tick.

This weeks Q & A is with Fran Hauser, partner at Rothenberg Ventures and former President of Digital at Time Inc.

1. What was a pivotal moment of reinvention for you?

I’ve experienced two pivotal moments of reinvention in my career. The first was when I left my Director, Finance role at Coca-Cola Enterprises in 1998 to join Moviefone. Although I didn’t know it then, this marked the beginning of a 15-year career in digital media. My time at Moviefone gave me direct exposure to many functional areas beyond finance, including product, sales strategy, technology and business development. It was this exposure that enabled me to ultimately become the General Manager at Moviefone after it was acquired by AOL and also led to several other GM/President roles at AOL and then at Time Inc.

My second pivotal moment happened just this year when I left Time Inc. to become a Partner at Rothenberg Ventures. I’m excited to work with founder Mike Rothenberg on building the fund and the trailblazing companies in its portfolio. Working with entrepreneurs is infectious. These are people who challenge the status quo and forge new paths because they believe they can change the world. As part of this, I’m also committed to changing the under-representation of VC-backed female founders.

2. Who has been a valuable mentor or sponsor?

Martha Nelson, former Editor-in-Chief at Time Inc., has been a champion and mentor of mine for the last eight years. She has, among other things, taught me the importance of using a human-centric approach when building consumer products, balancing strategy and execution, and maintaining a thick skin when it comes to office politics and “constructive” criticism!

3. What is your biggest goal right now?

One of my mentors once asked me: If it were the end of my life, and there was only one question that God could ask me that I had to answer “yes” to, what would I want that question be? My response came to me quickly: “Did you have the greatest possible impact on those you love and on the world at large?” This is the mantra I live by.

4. What time do you typically wake up? What do you do every morning?

I wake up at 6:30/7:00, have breakfast with my boys and try to get a workout in.

5. How do you unplug? How often do you unplug?

I love yoga (which I do once a week) and I am pretty good about taking 15 minutes during my commute to listen to music or a podcast. I also love spending time with my girlfriends; I always leave feeling happier and lighter.

6. What cause do you most want to advance?

I’m a passionate advocate for women and kids around the world, across a variety of topics including investing in women, human rights and adoption/foster care.

7. What song can’t you get out of your head?

“Let it Go” from Frozen. I love hearing my kids belt it out especially in the morning when they first wake up.

8. What is your secret indulgence?

Dark chocolate covered peanut butter cups from Trader Joe’s!

You can read Fran’s full #40over40 profile here and follow her on twitter here: